Rating Penn State's best wide receivers in the Joe Paterno era is like rating the best seasons for the Chicago Cubs. There's not necessarily a whole helluva lot to work with, but there have been some good ones, and some of those turned in serviceable pro football careers.

The top receivers, in rough order, with Bobby Engram at the top, and listed with years played for the Lions:

Bobby Engram (1991, 1993-95): He's tops on the Penn State receiving chart in career receptions, yards and touchdowns. Led the team in receptions from 1993-95. First-team All-America in '94, and second or third team in two other years. Inaugural winner of Biletnikoff Award in 1995 in honor of nation's top wide receiver. Also known for his game-winning TD reception to beat Michigan in unbeaten 1994 campaign. Has had solid NFL career.

Kenny Jackson (1980-83): Had talent and had the stats, including 25 career TDs, and was major factor in 1982 national title run. Two-time first team All-America. Known for his catch along the sideline, pirouette and dash to the end zone that sparked Penn State's comeback victory over No. 1 and unbeaten Pitt in 1981.

O.J. McDuffie (1988-92): Second in career receptions with 125. Was first-team All-America in 1992 with 63 catches, a single-season record that was later tied by Engram. McDuffie also had a solid pro career.

Jack Curry (1965-67): Jack who? Rang up 117 receptions in three-year career, back when you couldn't play varsity as a freshman.

Bryant Johnson (1999-2002): Second in career reception yardage and snared 99 balls his last two seasons. But only scored 10 TDs in his career. First-round NFL draft pick.

Joe Jurevicius (1994-97): Dude was a playmaker who went after the ball with a vengeance and had speed. Averaged 20.1 yards per reception for his career, tops among the leaders on the State reception charts. Decent career so far in NFL.

Freddie Scott (1993-95): Played in shadow of Engram but still chalked up 93 catches and 11 TDs in his career.

Terry Smith (1988-1991): Had 108 career receptions but here on the strength of 55-catch season in 1991.

Tony Johnson (2000-03): Had 107 career receptions while playing in era when offense at Penn State struggled. Unfortunately, he seemed to be a better receiver earlier in his career and had an inconsistent senior year that might have cost him a good shot at making the pros.

Scott Fitzkee (1975-78): Favorite target of Chuck Fusina in 1977-78 when Lions went 22-2. Had 65 career catches. Also had good stats in short-lived United States Football League.

Chafie Fields (1996-99): Had 88 career catches, some while playing tailback. None of his receptions were bigger than the 79-yard catch and run in the final two minutes to beat Miami in 1999.

Honorable mention: David Daniels, Jimmy Cefalo, Gary Hayman, Greg Edmonds, Michael Timpson. Versatile Cefalo would have better stats and rated higher had he played wideout his entire career, but JoePa moved him around.